2027 Women's Softball Thread

[WRNC]

 

[HookemTexas]

4 hours ago, LonghornFan4Ever said:

SI’s three takeaways from the preseason game last night

Based on this article, Coach White filled the holes he had with the portal.  There's a bit of a logjam in the infield with so much talent.  The outfield is where some of the freshman/sophomores have a chance to break into the lineup at the corner outfield positions since Henry has CF locked down. 

Sneed couldn't secure the role in LF last year but will likely have first shot.  I'm guessing one or both of the freshman may get the spots if they are as advertised.  Additionally, if Abdullah (who was the #1 recruit) is so good you have to play her in the infield, then the likely person that gets moved would be Nichols, but she was pretty solid last year so she may get a shot at the outfield in that scenario.

It's a plethora of talent and a matter of finding spots for them and keeping everyone happy.  Likely will be 2-3 transfers following next season because of the logjam, especially if the 5 for 5 seniors decide to stay as the only senior that's completely out of eligibility would be Vivi Martinez.

[HonkEm]

8 hours ago, HookemTexas said:

Based on this article, Coach White filled the holes he had with the portal.  There's a bit of a logjam in the infield with so much talent.  The outfield is where some of the freshman/sophomores have a chance to break into the lineup at the corner outfield positions since Henry has CF locked down. 

Sneed couldn't secure the role in LF last year but will likely have first shot.  I'm guessing one or both of the freshman may get the spots if they are as advertised.  Additionally, if Abdullah (who was the #1 recruit) is so good you have to play her in the infield, then the likely person that gets moved would be Nichols, but she was pretty solid last year so she may get a shot at the outfield in that scenario.

It's a plethora of talent and a matter of finding spots for them and keeping everyone happy.  Likely will be 2-3 transfers following next season because of the logjam, especially if the 5 for 5 seniors decide to stay as the only senior that's completely out of eligibility would be Vivi Martinez.

The roster looks a lot deeper than it did a year ago. The biggest battle may not be finding starters, but figuring out where to put all the talent. The infield is crowded, while the corner outfield spots seem like the clearest path for some of the younger players to earn at-bats.

I'm still curious about Abdullah. She's obviously an elite prospect, but when I watched her with Team USA, she looked like she had some trouble picking up the ball at times and wasn't always comfortable against top-level pitching. If she's good enough to force her way into the everyday lineup immediately, then someone established may have to change positions. If not, it gives White a little more flexibility while she adjusts to the college game.

Either way, there are only so many spots available. That's a good problem to have, but with this much talent on the roster, I'd be surprised if there aren't a couple of transfers after the season.